Gaza children return to in-person schools for first time in 3 years

Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza have returned to in-person teaching for the first time in nearly three years, albeit in damaged or makeshift school buildings and tents, and with uniforms, notebooks and pens unaffordable for many families.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) says 98 per cent of schools in Gaza were either destroyed or damaged during the war, and Gaza education ‌officials say about 660,000 students have been deprived of in-person learning and regular participation in education.

The reopening on Saturday was a fragile milestone for Gaza after a conflict that has killed around 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers, according to Ibrahim Ramadan, director of education for East Khan Younis.

“The last time I have been to school was three years ago. Now, we are starting the school year, it is year of joy, happiness and success,” said Moayed Abu Mustafa in Khan Younis.